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ROOKIE TACKLE® & SENIOR TACKLE®

USA TACKLETM

CONTACT GAME TYPES

Football is played in many ways, from the full-field game we know and love to Game Types that condense the field like Rookie Tackle® with fewer athletes. 

 

 

 
 

 

TECHNIQUE // TACTICS // TRADITION

 

In the Football Development Model, Contact is the last step in the Game Category progression and features two Game Types called Rookie Tackle® and Senior Tackle®.

 

Having two ways to play the full contact game gives athletes more entry points and options to continue the fun and development through the sport.



PATHS TO PLAY

USA TACKLETM

CONTACT GAME TYPES

 ROOKIE TACKLE®


  • FIELD SIZE: Shorter and/or Narrower
  • PLAYERS PER TEAM: 6 to 8
  • ROTATING POSITION PLAYERS
  • FULL CONTACT
  • FULL EQUIPMENT


Rookie Tackle® condenses the field and adds rule modifications that simplify the game.  Fewer players and a smaller field help athletes gain confidence as they learn crucial fundamental skills.

 

 

 

 SENIOR TACKLE®


  • FIELD SIZE: Full Field
  • PLAYERS PER TEAM: 6 to 11
  • OPTIONAL PLAYER ROTATION
  • FULL CONTACT
  • FULL EQUIPMENT

 

Senior Tackle® is the full field, full contact game we know and love. Whether you play with 11 players-per-side or less, athletes love playing that same style of tackle football their favorite teams play on the weekends.

 

Access the Rules

IMPLEMENTATION

TOOLS TO START & SCALE

 

We're here to help you be successful with free resources for Contact below.
More assets are unlocked for organizations that enroll and coaches who get certified.

KEYNOTE: HERM EDWARDS
ON RELATIONSHIPS

 

Herm Edwards National Conferencer

 

 

WATCH

CASE STUDY:
ROOKIE TACKLE®

 

Rookie Tackle Case Study

 

 

READ NOW

ARTICLE TO SHARE:
15 FOOTBALL LIFE LESSONS

 

Football Lessons

 

 

READ NOW

EDITORIAL: ROOKIE TACKLE®
IS A WIN FOR FEEDER PROGRAMS

 

FNF Coaches Rookie Tackle

 

 

LEARN MORE

COACH PLANNER APP
SKILLS & DRILLS

 

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LEARN MORE

IMPLEMENTATION PREVIEW:
ADDING ROOKIE TACKLE®

 

Implementign Rookie Tackle

 

 

ACCESS NOW 

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PODCAST VOICES

PODCAST: RETURNING TO
YOUTH FOOTBALL


Dr. Michael Koester, MD

 

LISTEN

 

PODCAST: BEING A
FOOTBALL PARENT

 

Christine Golic
Football Mom

 

LISTEN

 

PODCAST: PREP
FOR CONTACT

 

Andy Ryland
USA Football

 

LISTEN

 

Podcast: model
BRIDGES & GAME TYPES


Scott Heitland
Head Football Coach

 

LISTEN

 

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GET MORE RESOURCES

 

Organizations enrolled with USA Football gain access to tons of resources to add any Game Type to their league.

 

  • Rulebooks & Playbooks
  • Operational Guides
  • Field Layout Resources
  • Promotional Materials
  • Coach Education via Certification

Contact your USA Football Regional Manager to learn more.

 

CONTACT A REGIONAL MANAGER

Rookie Tackle has the potential to enhance the social and physical benefits football provides young athletes today. As a coach, I see not only a pathway for the development of youth players, but also a pathway for youth football coaches.

Tony Dungy
Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach, Former NFL Player and NFL Analyst for NBC Sports
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HOW YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN GET STARTED

 

More ways to play doesn't have to be overwhelming. For help on getting started, contact your USA Football Regional Manager.

 

CONTACT US